Mystical Powers

Mystical Powers the Siddhis

It is very fascinating to hear about mystical experiences and "siddhis". The word “siddhi” means Proficiency, Powers and Perfection, which is also known as “Vibhuti”, as spoken by Rishi Patanjali in Vibhuti Paad of Yoga Sutra. Also Chapter 10 of the Bhagavad Gita is titled, "Vibhuti Yoga"

Vibhuti (subtle essence) means the extinction of the gross elements (bhuti) into their most subtle refinement or essence which is often symbolized by sacred ash (ash = vibhuti) and the appearance of vibhuti by certain siddhas, is itself a result of “siddhi” (perfection). Such Vidyas are almost extinct today.

Sometimes during meditation, one may see an infinite blue sky, an ethereal space with dazzling lights full of geometrical patterns and these visions may be purely imaginary too. These may be crystallization of one’s own intense thinking. One must discriminate it in Yogic practices. These are all encouragements to convince you of the existence of super-physical realities and the solid existence of Brahman. Drive away from these visions.

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One shall fix one's mind sinle pointedly on the goal energetically with meditation.

The "rationalists" discount siddhis all together according to them these are mere fantasy and mind game. Siddhis are reality, and there is a spiritual science behind them that has been passed down from time immemorial by our great Rishis (enlightened ones). The rishis, by virtue of their expanded consciousness, understood the functioning of matter on the subtle levels of sound and consciousness (chetna).

The countless of these yogis, tapasvis, siddhas, and rishis dwell in the sacred realm of the Himalayas. High in the mountains, surrounded by a forest covered in snow. Such tapaswies, rishis are there, even today meditating on the banks of the Ganges. What keeps them there, living in apparent poverty and adverse situations? Are they fools or mad? No, they are neither fools nor mad. We commoners living material life are chasing after the sense enjoyment, while they are offering us the diamonds of spiritual bliss.

Through various processes of meditation one's mind is expanded and the understandings get so ripened that one is able to control matter. In fact attainment of these siddhis (perfection and powers) is not the aim of the Siddha or a Yogi but his aim is ultimate spiritual accomplishment. As a result of maturation of one’s staunch devotion in particular kind of Yogic practice that result into one’s extended awareness thus that one’s dormant subtle energy circuits become activated and hence evolutionary abilities that were previously repressed or dormant, get manifestation.

The masters of the yoga system had declared that there are eighteen types of mystic perfections of which eight are primary, having their shelter in Supreme God, and ten are secondary, appearing from the material mode of goodness and Upasana (single pointed worship).

The eight primary mystic perfections are as follows (Sri Hanuman jee gifted with these siddhis) :

Anima-siddhi - The ability to decrease the size of one's body and become smaller than the smallest particle. Through this siddhi one may enter into stone or change the density of one's body, enabling one to pass through solid matter.

Mahima-siddhi - The ability to increase the size of one's body, ultimately as large as seemingly approaching to skies.

Laghima-siddhi - The ability to make one's body lighter than air and fly at will. The perfection of this siddhi enables one to travel on the sun's rays and enter into the sun planet.

Prapti-siddhi - The ability to manifest any object one desires within one's hand. This siddhi removes the limitations of space which separate two objects from each other. It is said one will even be able to touch the moon with one's finger (i.e. the limitation of distance is removed).

Prakamya-siddhi - The ability to attain anything one desires.

Ishita-siddhi - The ability to control the sub-potencies of the laws of nature. This enables one to control various energies and seemingly defy the laws of nature. On the lowest level, one may make fire come from one's mouth, etc.

Vashita-siddhi - The ability to bring others under one's control.

Kamavasayita-siddhi - The ability to attain anything anywhere. This is the highest of the eight and contains most of the abilities of the other perfections.

The ten secondary perfections are as follows:

1. The ability to be free from hunger and thirst. With this perfection one no longer depends on food and water for maintenance of one's body. One will be able to sustain himself simply on prana, the life energy perhaps derived from cosmos sun and air are some of those. (The example is is Sri Prahlad Jani, also known as "Mataji", is an Indian sadhu (born on 13 August 1929 in Charada, Mehsana district). He claims to have lived without food and water since 1940.)

2. The ability to hear things far away. With this perfection one can hear any conversation spoken anywhere in the world.

3. The ability to see things far away. With this perfection one develops a mystic vision, by which one can see any person or place. (Sanjaya, the disciple of Vyasa, used this siddhi to see and hear the conversation between Krishna and Arjuna (Bhagavad Gita), which took place on the battle ground of Kurukshetra, though he was situated far away.)

4. The ability to travel at the speed of the mind. With this perfection one can travel great distances in a moment simply by thinking of the destination.

5. The ability to assume any form one desires. This enables one to change one's physical body at will.

6. The ability to enter the bodies of others. This perfection enables one to enter into the bodies of others and enjoy through their senses. Since ghosts do not have physical senses, they often resort to this to satisfy their desires through other's bodies. (Adi Shankaracharya had to take help of this siddhi in order to defeat Mandan Mishra in a spiritual debate.)

7. The ability to control the time of one's death. With this perfection one may choose the time of leaving his body. (At the time of Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah were lying on the bed of arrows in the battle field and waited to leave his body till, Sun came into Uttarayana, as people who leave their bodies in Uttarayana goes directly to the Brahmalok (Heaven). On the Magh Shukla's Ashtami, Sun came in Uttarayana and then Bhishma Pitamah left his body as he was blessed with the boon of 'Iccha Mrityu'.)

8. The ability to witness the pastimes (pleasantly enjoy time) between the demigods and the celestial girls called apsaras.

10. Satya-vak - Giving orders that are unimpeded (unobstructed). With this perfection one's very word becomes truth. Simply by saying something it occurs.

The primary eight siddhis are of a much higher order than the rest, and require severe discipline to accomplish. It is very rare that one will achieve such perfection. The processes for attaining these minor siddhis are usually outlined in the varous Tantra-shastras. On the way many siddhis naturally develop due to expansion of the consciousness through mantra upasana and meditation. If one aims at a low entity, for example a ghost, the result will be quick, but it will be of minimal value. Whereas if one’s upasana is to a higher divinity, the result will be much more permanent and significant, but it will take much more time to accomplish.